Amidst reports of him tackling Wankhede curator Sudhir Naik and even hurling abuse at him, it is learnt that Ravi Shastri only said "Sudhir, great job… excellent pitch" in a sarcastic tone
Sudhir Naik and Ravi Shastri
Amidst reports of him tackling Wankhede Stadium curator Sudhir Naik and even hurling abuse at him, it is learnt that Team India director Ravi Shastri only said "Sudhir, great job… excellent pitch" in a sarcastic tone.
Sudhir Naik and Ravi Shastri
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According to a source, this was said during the innings break after South Africa scored 438 for four in 50 overs on Sunday. "This was the only conversation between the two," said the source. India ended up losing by 214 runs.
It is rumoured that Naik has informed the Mumbai Cricket Association about his clash with Shastri. However, Naik was not available for a confirmation. Meanwhile, a member of the Indian camp said that it was a pity that a win-the-toss, win-the-match pitch was dished out for the decider and the host team ought to get wickets more suited to them just like what happens in England and Australia.
Also Read: BCCI will look into Shastri-curator fiasco at Wankhede: Anurag Thakur
"Look at the Ashes. England made wickets to suit them and won the series this year. Now, Australia will do the same in the next Ashes and in all probability will get the urn back. Do we get flat tracks when we travel to South Africa," he asked.
Memon criticises pitch
Nadeem Memon, the former curator of the Wankhede Stadium, slammed the Sunday pitch, saying it was not a one-day international surface but a Twenty20 surface. "I heard Ravi was upset about the pitch and I perfectly understand his angst.
South African skipper AB de Villiers during his 61-ball 119 against India at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Pic/Atul Kamble
To me, this was not a Wankhede pitch. It had no turn whatsoever and I think they didn't water it adequately during the preparation. Ravi has played in the maidans of Mumbai and knows what Mumbai pitches are all about," said Memon.
PTI adds: BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur yesterday said that the board will look into the details about Indian Team Director Shastri's alleged confrontation with Naik.
Thakur said that the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be followed just like it was done when Virat Kohli had abused a journalist of a leading national daily in Perth during the World Cup earlier this year. "We will look into the details of Team Director (Shastri) allegedly confronting curator of Wankhede Stadium yesterday," said Thakur.
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